Water is not a mere food ingredient, it is more than that.
When we talk about the food industry, the most critical aspect is clean and safe water storage. Whether we talk about growing food ingredients or cooking them, water is required in each and every step.
But the question is, are you using the right water storage system in your food industry?
Using the right water storage system is as important as using clean water. Food-grade stainless steel tanks are considered the best choice for the food industry. Curious to know why.
Read the blog to find out Why Food-Grade Stainless Steel Tanks Are Ideal for the Food Industry. And how it adds value to your food business.
The Role of Water in the Food Industry
Water has 5 major roles to play in the food industry: 1) primary production, (2) cleaning and sanitation, (3) processing operations, (4) as a food ingredient, and (5) Food Storage. Let’s read in detail how water is used in these processes.
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Primary Production
Primary production is the initial stage in the food production process. It includes crop irrigation, hydration, and aquaculture.
According to the data, while 2 liters of water may be enough for daily drinking, producing the food a person consumes each day requires approximately 3,000 liters. Agriculture accounts for around 70% of global freshwater withdrawals.
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Cleaning and Sanitation
Cleaning and Sanitation processes are imperative in the food industry. It involves cleaning the ingredients, processing equipment, and food storage containers.
Effective cleaning and sanitation ensure a contamination-free food environment and significantly reduce the chances of diseases caused by poor food sanitation.
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Food Processing Operations
Food processing operations such as boiling, steaming, cooling, or mixing often require large amounts of water. Other than these processes, it also helps in temperature control, facilitates chemical reactions, and supports various food manufacturing processes.
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Water as a Food Ingredient
Many food products, such as beverages, sauces, and dairy items, contain water as a primary ingredient. The quality of water used in these products directly impacts their taste, safety, and shelf life. Other than these uses, water is an essential ingredient for cooking most food recipes.
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Food Storage
Water storage is essential for food preservation techniques such as cooling, freezing, and pasteurization. Proper water storage helps regulate temperatures and prevent spoilage, ensuring food remains safe for consumption.
Water usage in the food industry is significantly large. Now, as we have understood the cruciality of water in the food industry, let’s see what makes food-grade stainless steel the best choice for the food industry.
As we have talked about the various usages of water in the food industry. Further, let’s understand what food-grade stainless steel is.
What is Food-Grade Stainless Steel?
Food-grade stainless steel is a type of stainless steel that is considered the best for the food industry.
It can be used to store water for cooking purposes or for storing the liquid ingredients. Food-grade stainless steel becomes the perfect choice as it does not leach chemicals in the water and is non-reactive.
This is why people prefer to use utensils made out of stainless steel, as it does not alter the food's taste and provides other benefits, which we will further read about in this blog.
But not all stainless steel grades can be considered ideal. There are various stainless steel grades available in the market, but grade 316 is the best stainless steel overall.
Curious to learn more? Read 10 Facts about Stainless Steel Tanks
Why Food-Grade Stainless Steel Tanks Are Ideal for the Food Industry?
As water is required in most of the steps in the food industry, safe water storage becomes crucial. But storing water while maintaining its safety and purity for a longer duration becomes a challenge.
Food-grade stainless steel tanks can serve two purposes in the food industry, they can be used either to store clean water or for storing large amounts of liquid food ingredients like milk or juices.
Key Benefits of Food-Grade Stainless Steel Tanks for Food Processing
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Hygiene & Easy Cleaning
Regular cleaning can be time-consuming or difficult, and food-grade stainless steel can be a real solution to this problem. The non-porous surface of stainless steel makes it easy to clean and sanitize, reducing the risk of bacterial buildup. This is especially important in food processing, where hygiene is a top priority.
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Corrosion Resistance
Unlike traditional storage materials, food-grade stainless steel tanks do not rust or corrode, ensuring long-term reliability. This prevents contamination from metal particles or chemicals leaching into stored water.
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Environmentally Friendly
Stainless steel tanks are 100% recyclable, offering a sustainable alternative to plastic tanks or coated metal tanks. Their use helps food industries reduce plastic waste and adopt eco-friendly storage solutions.
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Long-Term Cost Savings
Investing in food-grade stainless steel tanks reduces maintenance costs and increases operational efficiency. Their long lifespan and low maintenance requirements make them a cost-effective solution for food businesses.
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Compliance with Food Safety Standards
Stainless steel tanks comply with international food-grade regulations, including FDA, EU CoE, and BIS standards. They are widely used in food processing plants, commercial kitchens, and beverage manufacturing to ensure safe and hygienic water storage.
Also Read: Which is the best choice for the Beverage Industry?
Water Storage Challenges in the Food Industry
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Risk of Contamination with Other Materials
Traditional tanks made of plastic or concrete can degrade over time, introducing contaminants into stored water. Food-grade stainless steel tanks eliminate this risk due to their non-reactive nature.
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Maintenance Issues with Traditional Tanks
Plastic and concrete tanks often require frequent repairs and replacements due to wear and tear. Stainless steel tanks, on the other hand, are highly durable and require minimal maintenance.
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Regulatory Compliance and Long-Term Safety
Food storage facilities must comply with strict health and safety regulations. Food-grade stainless steel tanks are designed to meet industry standards, ensuring compliance and long-term safety.
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Initial Investment Cost
While food-grade stainless steel tanks offer long-term savings, their initial cost can be higher than traditional storage options. However, the benefits in terms of durability, hygiene, and regulatory compliance outweigh the initial expense.
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Scaling and Customization Challenges
Businesses may require customized solutions to meet their specific storage needs. Finding the right size, grade, and features in food-grade stainless steel tanks can require additional planning and investment.
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Space Constraints in Facilities
Food processing plants often have limited space, and integrating large stainless steel tanks can be challenging. Proper planning and design considerations are essential to maximizing efficiency without compromising on space.
Beltecno Food Grade Stainless Steel Tanks
Beltecno India is one of the best ss tank manufacturers in the Indian Market. We use Japanese technology and innovation for manufacturing our tanks to ensure that you get quality products within your budget.
Our stainless steel panel tank is a valuable investment for your food industry. As we use grade 316 stainless steel, you don’t have to worry about the water quality.
Our delivery process is also seamless and quick, as we know the value of your time. Belltecno also delivers water tanks globally, so whenever you need us, we are there for you.
Conclusion
In this blog, we understood the water needs and why food-grade stainless steel tanks are ideal for the food industry. It doesn’t matter if you are considering using food-grade stainless steel tanks for storing water or storing some liquid ingredients. Grade 316 stainless steel is the perfect find!
If you're in the food industry and looking to invest in high-quality water storage solutions, consider food-grade stainless steel tanks for long-term safety and efficiency.
To explore the best tank options for your business, Contact Us Today!